röntgenalue

Röntgenalue, also known as the X-ray region or X-ray spectrum, refers to the range of electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths that fall between ultraviolet light and gamma rays. This region is characterized by photon energies that are high enough to interact with the inner electrons of atoms, leading to ionization. The typical wavelength range for X-rays is from about 0.01 nanometers to 10 nanometers, corresponding to photon energies from approximately 120 electronvolts (eV) to 120 kiloelectronvolts (keV).

X-rays are produced through two primary mechanisms. Bremsstrahlung, or braking radiation, occurs when high-energy electrons are decelerated as they interact with the electric field of atomic nuclei. Characteristic X-rays are emitted when an electron transitions between energy levels within an atom, filling a vacancy created by the ejection of an inner-shell electron.

The unique properties of X-rays, such as their ability to penetrate matter and their interaction with electronic structures, make them invaluable in various fields. In medicine, X-rays are fundamental for diagnostic imaging, allowing visualization of bones, organs, and tissues. They are also employed in cancer therapy. In scientific research, X-ray diffraction is used to determine the atomic and molecular structure of materials, while X-ray spectroscopy provides elemental and chemical information. Industrial applications include non-destructive testing, security screening, and material analysis.